By Abdulquadri Olanrewaju-
With the current appalling and worrisome state of world affairs, in general, and Nigeria, in particular, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria has chosen the theme: Taqwa: Pathway to Justice and Peace, for the 69th edition of her Jalsa Salana (the Annual Conference), beginning from Friday, 22nd through Sunday, 24th December, 2023, at the Conference Ground, Jamia Ahmadiyya, Ilaro-Owode Road, Ilaro, Ogun State.
The announcement was made by the Amir (National President) of the Jama’at, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Azeez Folorunso at the press conference of the Ahmadiyya Nigeria community held at her National Headquarters in Ojokoro, Lagos State, on 10th December, 2023.
Barr. Alatoye explained that the rationale behind this theme is informed by the need to address the current appalling and worrisome state of world affairs, in general, and Nigeria, in particular. He added “The conference, therefore, promises to feature a number of sessions where various scholars will deliver lectures addressing various critical issues and aspects of the theme.”
Further in his speech, he defined taqwa – righteousness, as engaging in acts of goodness and avoiding evils and sins as inspired by the fear of Allah in one’s heart. He quoted the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad saying “Righteousness means that one must be mindful even of the smallest details of the Divine trusts and covenants and also of all the trusts and covenants of one’s fellow beings, as far as it may be possible. That is, one must try to fulfil, to the best of one’s ability, all the requirements in their minutest details”.
Speaking further, “As current affairs in Nigeria show, there is no doubt that the state of affairs of individual Nigerians and the nation is at a critical crossroads. We have continued to wallow in the whirlpool of lack of peace and security as evidenced in an array of security issues, including incessant cases of kidnapping for ransom, and ritual and other forms of crimes”.
“It is important to emphasize that at the root of all these situations lies the case of the decline in our adherence to spiritual and ethical values. Particularly, there is a dearth of fear of God, good conscience, and self-introspection. Unbridled pursuit of crass materialism or the greed for wealth, power, and fame has continued to drive people to engage in all sorts of corrupt and fraudulent practices at all levels of our human existence”, he added.
While expressing the solution to the present problems, he mentioned that the Holy Qur’an encourages us to uphold Taqwa, justice, and fairness in all our affairs. It says, O ye who believe! Be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do (Qur’an, 5:9).
Amir emphasized the words of the present Khalifah (worldwide head of, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community), “The basic lesson that the Founder of the Ahmadiyya community (as) has given us is that peace cannot be established without justice. And justice cannot be established without forming a relationship with the Higher Being. A relationship with the Creator of this world is a prerequisite for justice.”
He further stated, “Today, the world is in desperate need that it should adopt this attitude at every level, of recognizing its Creator and fulfilling the rights due to His Creation. The people of the world should not only be concerned for their rights but should also look at their obligations and be concerned for the welfare of others”.
Alhaji Alatoye used the opportunity to condemn any act of violence against civilians whether by Hamas or Israel. He called for an immediate ceasefire and allowance for humanitarian aid in Gaza. He also mentioned, “We also join in calling for the two states solution where no one country will be a police force to the other. We call on the USA to stop supplying ammunition to Israel for the extermination of the Palestinian race. All these will be impossible without the fear of God or devotion to righteousness”.
While revealing plans to conduct mass weddings for interested Muslims during the forthcoming conference of the group, Barr. Alatoye explained that hard-working Muslims with the zeal to settle down are advised to participate in the holy solemnization which will take place at the Jalsa Salana.
Not less than 40 thousand participants are expected from across the country, including political, traditional, and religious leaders, among others.
The Conference will also feature special daily and night prayer sessions for the prosperity, development, peace, and security of Nigeria, deceased persons in the year, and innocent people of Palestine, the world, and humanity in general.
